Advocacy Alert from Project Independence: March, 2011

HEARING ON LANTERMAN ACT PLANNED FOR TODAY

On Tuesday, March 22 at 1 p.m., the Senate Human Services Committee will hold an Oversight Informational Hearing on "The Lanterman Act in 2011 and Beyond." This hearing provides another opportunity for our community to let California lawmakers know how budget "solutions" are threatening the Lanterman Act and the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Topics scheduled to be covered at the hearing include:

How the Purchase of Service "Best Practices" threatens the ability of individuals with developmental disabilities to receive the services and supports identified in his or her individual program plan.
That there is no "one size fits all" standard, practice or service regimen when it comes to individuals with developmental disabilities. As per the Lanterman Act, California must provide flexible and individually tailored services and supports in community, home, work, and recreational settings.
That budget cuts and Purchase of Service "Best Practices" will force service providers to close their doors or limit programs, eliminating access to services for persons with developmental disabilities.

You can listen to the hearing by clicking here.

UCLA REPORT RELEASED MARCH 21

The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research Report, "Challenges to Sustaining California's Developmental Disability Services System," was released on March 21. The study outlines some key findings and makes policy recommendations regarding California's service delivery system. Highlights include:

2002's rate freezes neglected the 22 percent increase in implicit costs due to inflation.
Of 51 nonprofits ranked within the top 100 service providers for this population, 30 percent have operating deficits (meaning that the current cuts will only compound their viability; page 5).
Of 51 nonprofits ranked within the top 100 service providers for this population, 30 percent have operating deficits (meaning that the current cuts will only compound their vulnerability; page 5).
Federal Medicaid reimbursement should be maximized (page 7).

Click here to view the nine-page report.

HOW CAN I HELP?

Please continue to express your concerns about the California Budget Crisis and its impact on organizations like Project Independence by:

Writing, calling or visiting your representatives
Submitting a Letter to the Editor to your local paper.
Sharing information about the budget crisis via Facebook, Twitter, and other social media.

For the latest news and information about Project Independence and the California budget, visit www.proindependence.org or

Sincerely,

Project Independence

1.714.549.3464